(CE:1479b)
LOBSH, Arabic term (from Coptic lobs (lobsh), crown, consummation) used for the title of the final stanza in certain hymns. A lobsh serves as a conclusion for THEOTOKIA except on Sunday. The lobsh of the theotokia of Saturday has two sections known as the first and second SHARAH. The many lobsh of the theotokia for Monday and Tuesday are sung to an ADAM melody. Those for Wednesday through Saturday are sung to a WATUS melody. A Lobsh Adam (sometimes called psali) follows the first and second odes (see HOS), but the second psali, which follows the third ode, is properly a Lobsh Watus.
It should be noted that the Lobsh Watus varies according to the season. Thus, there is one for the feasts of the Lord and the days of
rejoicing, another for the month of Kiyahk, and so on. These are in addition to the one used for the remainder of the year (al-Lahn al-
Sanawi) and sometimes called Bikawarnidas.
In Al-Absalmudiyyah al-Muqaddasah al-Kiyahkiyyah (1911), additional sections, each called a lobsh, are written after each lobsh of the odes and theotokia, and are concluded by a TARH.
Those additional lobsh sections given after the original lobsh of each theotokia are in fact selections of the various explanations, interpretations, or paraphrases given in detail in the manuscripts published by De Lacy O'Leary. Their use is optional.
[See also Music, Coptic: Description.]
EMILE MAHER ISHAQ
